University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener and Master Naturalist volunteers will present a “Butterflies and Bugs” open house on Saturday, September 7, from 1-3 pm in the gardens at the Dana-Thomas House State Historic site located at 301 E. Lawrence Avenue, Springfield.  Children and their families are invited to learn about the butterfly motif in the house and investigate the courtyard and cottages gardens’ butterfly and bug habitats, or play a butterfly game in the courtyard, or do both!  The volunteers will also share information on planting Pollinator Pocket gardens and planters to help attract butterflies and pollinators to guests’ own yards.

The event is free to the public.  Questions about this event call Dana-Thomas House at 217-782-6776.